Try These 5 Keys and Get Up & Down Every Time

Lie, Green, Trajectory, Club & Execution

The best players in the world don’t hit every shot as they wish. They also don’t always end up in the perfect spot on every hole.  These players understand they will hit poor shots and end up missing greens in regulation.  As a matter of fact, the PGA Tour average for greens in regulation per 18-hole round is 11.7.  This means that on 6-7 holes in every round, they will have to be professionals at hitting short chips and pitches around the green.  If you watch closely you will see them following these 5 keys to getting up and down the majority of the time. In fact, 64% is the PGA Tour average. 

Lie

To excel in all situations around the green you must learn to read the lie of the golf ball in the grass.  Most of us in the Midwest deal with bent grass and bluegrass. Those around the country and the world will be playing on all varieties of turf. This could range from, Bermuda, zoysia, poa annua, fescue, etc. The type of turf you are playing on can have a tremendous impact on how well or poor your ball lies around the green.  Regardless, you must learn to see how the ball sits and how the grass around it will affect the flight of the ball and the amount of roll once it lands. 

• Is there a lot of grass between the ball and the club face? The more grass between the ball and the club face will result in more friction and less spin.
• Which direction is the grass growing? Grass growing into the ball will decrease club head speed and slow the club head down through impact.
• Is the golf ball sitting up in the grass or setting down at the bottom? Sitting down will require a club with more loft.
• How much of the club face can I get on the ball?
• Is the grass wet or dry? 

Answer all of these questions before selecting your club and the shot type.

Green

The second thing to look at when hitting a chip or pitch shot is how much green is there between your ball and the flagstick.  If you have a lot of green to work with then you will have more options when choosing your club.  However, many times we are forced to hit only one type of shot based upon how much green we have to work with.  If short sided and the flag is cut close to the edge of the green then generally the high lofted club with high and soft trajectory is the only option.  If you have much more green to work with then you can choose a lower lofted wedge. Even a 9,8,7 iron to produce a lower trajectory shot with more roll.  

Trajectory

The trajectory or height at which you will hit these shots is highly dependent on the first two keys.  If the lie is good and you have more than enough green to work with then you can go with what I call a medium trajectory shot with a medium lofted wedge (PW, 52, 54).  If the lie is good and you have ample green to work with then you can use a lower trajectory shot with a pitching wedge, 9,8 or 7.  This is commonly referred to as the “bump and run” and will be the safest shot for most amateur players. 

However, sometimes because of the lie or the amount of green we have to work with, we can only hit the high trajectory chip or pitch.  This is commonly referred to as the “flop” shot.  Hit this high trajectory shot only when you have no other options.  This shot is the most difficult of all chip or pitch shots and should be practiced with a 60 degree wedge from various types of lies.  The goal of this shot type is to get the ball to stop as quickly as possible on the green.  

Club

Choosing the correct wedge or iron to play your pitch or chip shot can be determined once you answer the first 3 keys.  If you want to hit a lower lofted shot with very little spin and a lot of roll then choose your lower lofted club (PW, 9, 8 or 7).  If you are forced to hit a high lofted shot with little to no roll then choose the highest lofted club you have (60 degree wedge).  The goal on all types of chip and pitch shots is to hit the ball on the center of the club face, control trajectory and distance.  Once you become highly skilled in all three areas then you will become a much better player around the greens.  

Execution

Execution of the shot is the final key and always an integral part to playing your best golf.  At SMART Golf and Fitness we train our players to spend at least 50% of their practice time on the short game.  In an average round of golf, more than 50% percent of your shots will be from on or around the putting green.  Spending at least this much time in preparation will undoubtedly lead to better performance in “game time”.  Regardless of your short game technique, your execution will improve if you play every shot around the green with these 5 keys in mind.

Good luck in your journey to becoming the best player you can be!  

About the Author

Todd Russell is a PGA of America Member and is recognized as one of the best golf instructors in the state of Illinois. Todd has been teaching and growing the game of golf for over 20 years. Working with thousands of students throughout his career, ranging from true beginners to high level tour players, Todd has developed the ability to make anyone better at golf.

Todd was the “2014 Midwest PGA Junior League Coach of the Year” and is also a NASM Certified Golf Fitness Specialist. Todd’s ability to connect with his students and train players of all skill levels makes him unique and desired as a PGA Golf Professional.

Click here to learn more about Todd or here to find him on Instagram.